Soldiers bust illegal cargo of cigarettes from Indonesia in South Thailand

 

Picture: Daily News

 

SATUN: -- Our picture shows a man called Ekasak Athiran who was arrested by soldiers in the south yesterday.

 

Ekasak. 35, was transporting a cargo of cigarettes from Satun to Yala when he was approached by soldiers who had had a tip off. He tried to flee but was soon rounded up, reports Daily News.

 

His cargo of cigarettes for which tax had not been paid was worth 12 million baht. He said that he had been paid just 1,500 baht by a man called "Go" to transport the load.

 

Soldiers at the Samran Rat Burin fort understand that the cigarettes came into Thailand at the Tha Pae border with Malaysia.

 

There are believed to be three major players - both old and new operations - that are importing illegal cigarettes into the country for distribution to three southern provinces and Bangkok.

 

Soldiers are on the case and expanding the operation to catch the main guys.

 

Source: Daily News

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2016-10-28

have to smile at some of the photos that are taken in these circumstances.... it almost looks like all the brass were lined up for a portrait shot and then this guy wandered in and decided to take a seat ....like the absent minded photo bomber....like I get it that they wanted to display the whole haul but still makes me smile... almost  one  for the "Caption This" file

The 'import' of Indonesian cigarettes would be a real blow to the sales of Malaysian cigarettes smuggled into Thailand. This cannot be accepted, as those controlling the business will have to suffer from lesser gains. Smugglers of cigarettes and booze into Thailand are well advised to negotiate with the competent authorities before starting their business.

But they were for 'personal use' only my lord...

So what happens to the cigs?

16 minutes ago, Grubster said:

So what happens to the cigs?

Soon to be sold at a shop near you 

Yes they have got to stop this happening, as it affects their little scams, and that cannot be allowed.

Trust driver with 12 million value, but pay him mere 1500? Both guys deserve to be caught. Idiots.